Rooted in resilience: Women farmers' empowerment story

In the serene countryside of Jalihala and Ryavaniki villages, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, a remarkable tale of determination and self-sufficiency unfolds every day. As the first rays of dawn break, the women of these villages embark on a journey that not only sustains their families but also embodies the essence of community strength.

In these humble abodes, where poverty often looms large, dairy farming emerges as a lifeline for many. Before the sun graces the horizon, these resilient women diligently attend to household chores, tend to their cattle, and nurture the next generation by feeding milk to the calves. With each task, they pave the way for a livelihood that transcends the boundaries of their villages.

Armed with baskets atop their heads, laden with pots of freshly made curd, these women traverse the dusty roads daily, spanning a distance of three kilometers to Dotihala village. Their mission? To sell the curd painstakingly crafted in their homes, earning a modest income ranging from Rs. 150 to 200 per day.

In a region where every penny counts, more than a hundred families find solace in the earnings from curd sales. With one or two buffaloes per household, some venture into dairy farming with loans from the animal husbandry department, seeking a better tomorrow for their loved ones.

The rhythm of their lives beats in harmony with the needs of their community. After tending to their buffalo and churning milk into curd during the day, these women set out to offer their wares in neighboring villages, such as Kesur and Dotihala. With each sale, they not only secure their livelihood but also contribute to their children’s education and repay loans taken for their buffalo.

For these enterprising women, the choice to sell curd over milk is a deliberate one. While the profit margin may be lower, the value of curd extends beyond monetary gains. It ensures that every household, regardless of financial standing, can enjoy the nourishment of curd, buttermilk, and butter.

Despite facing competition from packaged yogurt brands, these women remain undeterred. Their dedication to providing pure, chemical-free curd resonates with their customers, who cherish the authenticity of their product.

As Shankramma Aralikatti from Dotihala village aptly puts it, “Packet yogurt has less taste and contains chemical mixture. We need pure curd, and we mostly use the curd sold by the village farmer women for our meals.”

In the face of modernization and economic challenges, the women of Jalihala and Ryavaniki villages stand tall as guardians of tradition and pillars of resilience. Their journey, marked by toil and triumph, serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of rural communities striving for a better tomorrow.